By ADRIAN STEWART CO
The Negros Muscovados overcame a late uprising by the Muntinlupa Cagers ELBURG Paramount to pull off an 80-77 victory in the 2024 MPBL Season at the Batangas City Coliseum on Wednesday evening, August 21.
The Muscovados were on top, 68-58, following a basket by Felipe Chavez, but the Cagers responded with six straight points to cut the deficit to 64-68 before Chavez drained two free throws for a 70-64 advantage.
Negros maintained a 76-69 lead on conversions from Chavez, Samuel Peralta and Renz Palma, but Muntinlupa made their last push to cut the deficit to 77-79 on a three-pointer by Joshua Marcos.
The Muscovados widened the lead to 80-77 following a split free throw by Chavez with four seconds left.
The Cagers still managed to grab the rebound but were unable to make a decent attempt.
Chavez top-scored with 19 points to go with five rebounds and three assists as the Muscovados got back on the winning track for a 12-13 win-loss slate, moving closer to sealing a playoff seat.
Peralta added 18 markers, on a perfect 7-of-7 shooting on the field to be named Player of the Game, while Jan Formento ended with 14 markers, including four triples, for Negros.
“Happy ako na naka-contribute sa offense in this game kasi hindi naman talaga opensa ang habol sa akin ng team, kundi ‘yung depensa ko at ‘yung rebounding, kasi big factor din ‘yun sa amin,” Peralta said.
“Pinaghihirapan ko talaga lahat sa training para maka-contribute sa team in any way possible,” he said.
“Sumunod lang kasi sa game plan ni coach Bonnie [Garcia], kaya nakuha namin itong panalo na ito,” he added.
Warlo Batac finished with 17 points, Marcos and Joshua Ramirez added 11 markers apiece, while Jacob Galicia ended with 10 points as the Cagers dropped to a 7-17 win-loss card./ASC, WDJ
NEGROS 80 — Chavez 19, Peralta 18, Formento 14, Capobres 8, Reyes 7, Palma 5, Raflores 3, Gania 3, Villanueva 3, Espanola 0, Longa 0, Geolingo 0, Gabriel 0, Ramos 0.
MUNTINLUPA 77 — Batac 17, Ramirez 11, Marcos 11, Galicia 10, Bongay 7, Cuevas 6, Buenaflor 5, Moralde 4, Tamayo 4, Alano 2, Arenal 0, Cabeguin 0.
Quarterscores: 18-22, 42-37, 59-53, 80-77.